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A review by classicsandromances
The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang
5.0
the amount of angst in this book almost made me consider The Poppy War as fluff. while reading the sequel i actually caught myself looking back at Rin's time in Sinegard with painful nostalgia. does it mean that i liked The Dragon Republic less? no. on the contrary. even though i am usually scared to delve into fantasy and war literature, this series has consumed me. unable to put it down i spent hours reading hundreds of pages in one sitting, whining when i had other responsibilities. for a couple of days i was simply curled in my bed, dying in the hot summer air. and when i wasn't, i was reading on the walks with my dog, on public transport, trying not to cry, squeal and bite my fist through the mask (stay covid safe, kiddos!). congrats R.F. Kuang, you've turned me into a hermit who would rather spend her day with no social interaction.
as i'm writing it mere minutes after finishing this part of the series, my brain is still fuzzy. Kuang's craftsmanship and her ability to construct completely unlikable and morally questionable characters who you would - STILL - die for is immaculate. i will be suffering in hell for some of the thoughts i've had while reading this one. furthermore, the worldbuilding that has won my heart in the previous novel is even better, making my brain all tingly and happy. author's ability to give life to such a complicated world full of strategy, tactics and the lore is outstanding. outstanding to the point that i had numerous dreadful dreams about fighting alongside Rin. dreams soaked in traumatizing details that i would rather forget. this is Kuang's power - even though you want to forget the pain, the suffering, the trauma, you will never be able to do so.
because it's too fucking epic.
PS. i will get justice for the death of my favourite character. :) i don't know how but i will.
PS.2 WATER AND FIRE DYNAMICS? my new favourite (although problematic) trope. thanks.
as i'm writing it mere minutes after finishing this part of the series, my brain is still fuzzy. Kuang's craftsmanship and her ability to construct completely unlikable and morally questionable characters who you would - STILL - die for is immaculate. i will be suffering in hell for some of the thoughts i've had while reading this one. furthermore, the worldbuilding that has won my heart in the previous novel is even better, making my brain all tingly and happy. author's ability to give life to such a complicated world full of strategy, tactics and the lore is outstanding. outstanding to the point that i had numerous dreadful dreams about fighting alongside Rin. dreams soaked in traumatizing details that i would rather forget. this is Kuang's power - even though you want to forget the pain, the suffering, the trauma, you will never be able to do so.
because it's too fucking epic.
PS. i will get justice for the death of my favourite character. :) i don't know how but i will.
PS.2 WATER AND FIRE DYNAMICS? my new favourite (although problematic) trope. thanks.